THREE-YEAR MUSLIM BURIAL GROUND PEACE
GARDEN PROJECT TO FEATURE IN BBC TV DOCUMENTARY
The restoration of one of Woking’s
historic, hidden gems – the Grade II listed Muslim Burial Ground – and the
creation of the new Islamic-inspired Peace Garden, opened by the Earl of Wessex
in November 2015, is the topic of a BBC One documentary scheduled to be
broadcast on Sunday 3 January 2016 at 1.15pm.
Filmed over a three-year period, the
BBC documentary team tracks the long-awaited and carefully planned activities of
Dr Zafar Iqbal, Woking Borough Council’s Senior Policy Officer, and Elizabeth
Cuttle, Trustee of Horsell Common Preservation Society (HCPS), to rescue the
historic site from disrepair and restore the domed archway entrance (known as a
Chattri), minarets and ornate red brick walls to their former glory, and in time
for the First World War commemorations taking place from 2015 to
2018.
The 40-minute, one-off documentary
follows the story of the restoration of a forgotten and dilapidated burial
ground for 27 Muslim soldiers who gave their lives fighting for Britain in the
two World Wars. Using archive, interviews with historians and surviving
descendants, the film also reveals the stories of some of the Muslim soldiers
once buried at the site, and through their experiences, the history of the
Muslim contribution to the British war effort in World War One unfolds. The film
ends with the voices of modern Muslims who believe this shared narrative is one
of the ways that prejudice and distrust of Islam in modern Britain might be
overcome.
It was the site’s forgotten heritage
and national and international importance, which first captured the interest of
Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC’s Head of Religion and Ethics, who said: “When I first saw
the Muslim Burial Ground three years ago, I immediately felt that this forgotten
part of British history was a story worth telling.
“It's an architectural gem and a
symbol of the little known shared heritage between Britain and Islam. Its
history has helped to shape the world we live in today, which I know will appeal
to our audiences’ thirst for knowledge.
“This documentary, just like the
memorial garden, celebrates a moment in time when people shared a common
purpose. To ignore it is to not learn from our past.”
Located in the south east corner of
Horsell Common and a short distance from the Shah Jahan Mosque (the UK’s first
purpose-built Mosque), the original site was purchased by the War Office and a
burial ground was commissioned in 1915 to ensure Muslim soldiers could be buried
in accordance with their religious rights.
Designed by architect T.H. Winney and
completed in 1917 by local firm, Ashby & Horner, the site soon became the
final resting place of 19 Muslim soldiers from the Great War and a further eight
casualties of the Second World War. In 1969, following the exhumation of the
servicemen’s remains by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to the nearby
Brookwood Military Cemetery, Horsell Common Preservation Society took ownership
of the site.
Opened by the Earl of Wessex in
November 2015, the restored site and new Peace Garden features 27 Himalayan
Birch trees representing the number of servicemen buried at the site, a water
feature incorporating a memorial stone bearing their names, bold strips of pink
and white heather orientated towards Mecca, scented plants such as Rosa rugosa
and Sarcococca orientalis, two stone ceremonial prayer mats and
benches.
Talking about the project, Dr Zafar
Iqbal said: “The restoration of the Muslim Burial Ground was a long-awaited
ambition of Woking Borough Council and the Horsell Common Preservation Society.
Following two decades of discussions and watching the site fall into disrepair,
it wasn’t until 2012 when funding was provided by Historic England that plans
could be finalised and the works delivered.
“Over the last four years, we have
worked with a range of funders, stakeholders, the Shah Jahan Mosque and members
of the community to reinstate a heritage site which will provide a focal point
for acts of commemoration and quiet contemplation.“
Speaking about the new garden’s
significance to the Borough, Cllr John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough
Council, said: “As well as enhancing pride of place, the Muslim Burial Ground
Peace Garden is a significant heritage site for Woking. It is a lasting legacy
for the Muslim servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend Britain and,
for future generations, it acts as a tangible advocate for peace; representing
reconciliation, harmony and reflection.”
The restoration of the Muslim Burial
Ground and the creation of the Peace Garden was funded and supported by: The
Armed Forces Covenant Grant Scheme; Department for Communities and Local
Government; Historic England; Horsell Common Preservation Society; Shah Jahan
Mosque; Sultanate of the Government of Oman; Surrey County Council; and, Woking
Borough Council.
The Muslim Burial Ground Peace Garden
is owned and managed by the Horsell Common Preservation Society (HCPS). Entry to
the site is free and it is open daily, all year round, for quiet contemplation
and relaxation.
For more information about the site’s
history and restoration works, visit www.woking.gov.uk/woking/heritage/peacegarden
For more information about the BBC One
documentary, Britain’s Muslim Soldiers, visit www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2016/01/britains-muslim-soldiers
For further
information, contact Woking Borough Council's Marketing
Communications Officer, Kate Mair, on 01483 743021 or email kate.mair@woking.gov.uk
